<html><body>
<a href="https://Realestate.com.au" target="_blank">Realestate.com.au</a> has the biggest national market share of any real estate website around the world, according to data compiled by its former chief executive, Simon Baker.
Each month, 3.8 million unique users visit the website, which is 17% of Australia’s population.
Baker has published a list of the top real estate portals ranked by the percentage of a nation’s population the websites reached.
Luxembourg’s <a href="https://athome.lu" target="_blank">athome.lu</a> was second at 15.4%, or 100,000 people, followed by Belgium’s <a href="https://immoweb.be" target="_blank">immoweb.be</a>, which reached 14% of Belgium’s population with 1.4 million users.
Countries with much bigger populations congregated at the bottom of the list. Websites like China’s <a href="https://soufun.cn" target="_blank">soufun.cn</a> have 13 million users but only reach 1% of the nation’s huge population.
The list only includes the top real estate website in each country.
The list used numbers from Google Ad Planner’s January 2012 figures. It was published on <a href="https://propertyportalwatch.com" target="_blank">propertyportalwatch.com</a> by Baker.
“Lots of arguments can be made about the efficacy and even accuracy of this analysis. However, I wasn’t aiming for perfection, just in [sic] build a better understanding of the global market place and how everyone is placed,” Baker writes.
Baker was chief executive of REA from 2001 to 2008. The company launched in 1995.
Property Observer notes 3.8 million unique users does not necessarily translate to 3.8 million different people visiting a website. One user could visit a website from several devices, such as a home computer, a work computer, ipad and a smartphone and the REA website would register three different unique users.
 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="456"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
Portal
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Country
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
Unique Users (m)
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
Percentage of Population
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://realestate.com.au/">https://realestate.com.au</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Australia
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
3.8
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
17.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://athome.lu/">https://athome.lu</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Luxembourg
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.1
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
15.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://immoweb.be/">https://immoweb.be</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Belgium
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
1.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://funda.nl/">https://funda.nl</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Netherlands
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
13.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://daft.ie/">https://daft.ie</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Ireland
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.6
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
13.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://rightmove.co.uk/">https://rightmove.co.uk</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
UK
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
6.7
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
10.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://immobilienscout24.de/">https://immobilienscout24.de</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Germany
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
7.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
9.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://propertyguru.com.sg/">https://propertyguru.com.sg</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Singapore
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
8.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://realtor.ca/">https://realtor.ca</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Canada
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
7.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://idealista.es/">https://idealista.es</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Spain
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.6
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
5.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://seloger.fr/">https://seloger.fr</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
France
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.9
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
4.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://realestate.yahoo.com/">https://realestate.yahoo.com</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
USA
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://casa.it/">https://casa.it</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Italy
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
3.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://casasapo.pt/">https://casasapo.pt</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Portugal
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
2.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://athome.jp/">https://athome.jp</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Japan
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
2.4
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
1.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://iproperty.com.my/">https://iproperty.com.my</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Malaysia
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.5
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
1.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://soufun.cn/">https://soufun.cn</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
China
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://imovelweb.com.br/">https://imovelweb.com.br</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Brazil
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
1.2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
0.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="198" nowrap valign="top">
<a href="https://metroscubicos.com.mx/">https://metroscubicos.com.mx</a>
</td>
<td width="97" nowrap valign="top">
Mexico
</td>
<td width="71" nowrap valign="top">
0.3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
0.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
</body></html>

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Realestate.com.au has highest market share of any real estate website in the world

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Bororen is a red-hot locality in Queensland, with official land values increasing 69.7% from 2010 to 2011, according to Queensland Valuer-General Neil Bray’s latest report.
He found Bororen’s median land values increased from $33,000 in October 2010 to $56,000 in October 2011.
Bray says growth<a target="_blank" href="/news"> in the Gladstone area</a> is fuelled by recent development of the liquefied natural gas industry.
Bororen is 48 kilometres south of Gladstone and 140 kilometres south-east of Rockhampton. It is semi-rural with small acreages. 
Local agent Daryl Turner from Raine &amp; Horne Calliope says while he doesn’t necessarily believe the figure is accurate he thinks the town has been doing well.
“I don’t think that’s true but everything around has increased,” he says.
He says although the town is 50 kilometres away from the nearest gas project it has been reaping the benefits.
“I’ve been selling real estate here for the last 39 years. There’s been a lot of growth in the last five years. It’s been massive,” he says.
Turner says people buying in Bororen are gas workers taking advantage of lower prices, and they tend to commute <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/warrnambool-emerges-but-queensland-s-gladstone-still-darling-of-investment-experts/2012011653050">to Gladstone</a>.
He expects growth to continue for the next five to 10 years with the building of gas projects.
“They won’t finish construction for at least another five years, they’re talking 10 years now,” Turner says.
“There are 25,000 more workers to come. It will keep doing well.”
<img src="/images/stories/warleighst.jpg">
Turner sold 50 Wadeleigh Street (pictured above) on January 6 for $220,000. RP Data reports the land value for the 1,131-square-metre block as $24,500. The house last traded in May 2007 for $175,000.
The 69% figure reported by Bray likely represents an understatement of official land values when they were last done.
<a href="https://realestate.com.au/" target="_blank">Realestate.com.au</a> reports median house prices to be $220,000, while the past three sales listed on RP Data are $255,000, $220,000 and $375,000.
Gladstone mayor Gail Sellers says she doesn’t anticipate a huge rise in rates despite the increase.
“I don’t expect they will go up quite a lot. I certainly do not. But we have to think about our requirements for revenue,” she says.
“Most councils are mindful of the amount that they increase but they have to look at the needs for the region and they have to take into account what is needed to run the organisation.”
The land tax threshold in Queensland is $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies and trustees.
The Queensland Office of State Revenue calculates tax using the total value of all land owned, with some exemptions for properties used as a home or for farming.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Gladstone effect pushes up Bororen land values almost 70%

<html><body>
Median property values in the mining-focused town of Gladstone increased 19% from 2010 to 2011 according to the Queensland Valuer-General Neil Bray’s annual report.
The locality of Bororen performed best in the area, increasing 69.7% from $33,000 to $56,000, according to Bray.
Gladstone mayor Gail Sellers told Property Observer the value rise was driven by LNG and mining investment in the area with vacancy rates less than 1%.
Of the 44 localities within the municipality 30 increased in value, 13 had no change and one property decreased in value.
Bray says residential values have generally risen by 10-50% in Gladstone and surrounding towns.
Despite the value increases Sellers anticipates that council rates will not rise dramatically.
“I don’t expect they will go up quite a lot. I certainly do not. But we have to think about our requirements for revenue,” she says.
“Most councils are mindful of the amount that they increase but they have to look at the needs for the region and they have to take into account what is needed to run the organisation.”
She says the difference in value changes through the region would make it hard to set rates.
"The rise has not been uniform across the region. If the rise had been uniform, we could have dropped the rate in the dollar. So that would help everyone. But because it’s been different in all the towns, it’s going to be extremely difficult.”
A lot of the growth in land value was driven by LNG developments.
“Some localities such as Gladstone and surrounding towns reflected large increases in median values due to large industrial and liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments in those localities,” Bray says.
“The Gladstone region is experiencing significant growth driven by the establishment of LNG industries on Curtis Island and port expansion at Fishermans Landing and Wiggins Island.
“This growth is limited to the northern section of the local government area with softer market conditions existing in southern areas.”
Bray found changes in Agnes Water and 1770 have been variable with some increases and some decreases.
Sellers says tourism in 1770 has suffered recently.
“They had a bad year in 1770 with the floods. They happened over Christmas at the major time for tourists. The floods meant no one could get in so they missed their usual tourist rush.”
Despite this, she says hotel vacancies during the week in the Gladstone region have been exceptionally tight.
“During the week we have no vacancies, you have to book weeks and weeks in advance.”
“Some of the hotels have been bought by industry and they use them as a workers camp. So that’s taken two or three motels off the market.”
Bray found commercial lands commercial lands have increased in value while industrial lands had less change.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 480px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
Previous median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
New median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
Change median  value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Bororen
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
33,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
56,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
69.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Miriam Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
47,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
71,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
49.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Kirkwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
40.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Toolooa
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Kin Kora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Sun Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Boyne Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
44,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
60,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
36.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Gladstone City
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
185,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Calliope
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
129,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
175,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
35.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
West Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
32.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
South Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
137,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
175,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
27.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
New Auckland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
26.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Telina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
145,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Barney Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Wooderson
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Burua
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
236,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
295,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Beecher
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
290,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Boyne Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
227,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
O'Connell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
205,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Clinton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
23.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Agnes Water
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
190,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
20.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
West Stowe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
190,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
20.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Tannum Sands
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
235,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Glen Eden
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
149,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
18.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Ambrose
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
22,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
26,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
15.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Raglan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
26,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
30,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
15.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Mount Larcom
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
69,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
79,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
14.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Yarwun
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
56,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
64,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
14.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Wurdong Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Benaraby
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
185,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
9.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Curtis Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Euleilah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Eurimbula
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
23,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
23,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Facing Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
77,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
77,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Farmers Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Gatcombe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
74,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
74,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Lowmead
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
23,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
23,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Northcliff
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
89,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
89,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Rosedale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
40,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
40,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Rules Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Southend
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Turkey Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Turtle Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
810,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
810,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Seventeen Seventy
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
600,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
480,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
-20
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
All localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
29.5
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
</body></html>

Gladstone property values officially up 20% in a year, while investors await rate revisions

<html><body>
The Queensland town of 1770, the site of Captain Cook’s second landing in Australia, is the only locality in the area of boom Gladstone municaplity where land values decreased over the last year, according to Queensland’s valuer-general.
Land values in the ugly duckling locality decreased 20%, while neighbouring towns increased by an average of 19%, with Bororen, 40 kilometres east, increasing a stellar 70%.
Valuer-General Neil Bray found median land values decreased from $600,000 in October 2010 to $480,000 in October 2011.
The town has traditionally been a tourism hotspot, with tourists seeking the beaches, coral reefs and local wildlife. When Captain Cook landed here he shot and ate a pelican, afterwards saying it was the best bird he’d eaten since he left England.
A recent report by Colliers found as overseas trips by Australians soared, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/dollar-hurting-tourism-especially-queensland-coastal-hotel-occupancy-rba/2012030653721">the Queensland hotel business suffered significantly</a>.
Local agent James White remains upbeat about the future of 1770. So confident, in fact, that he just bought a $1 million house in the area.
“Tourism did die a bit during global financial crisis, but it has definitely picked up recently,” he says.
White says while property prices have decreased significantly over the last years, clearance rates have doubled.
“The prices here were very high. The land prices three or four years ago were $800,000 for a 600-square-metre vacant lot,” he says.
“It’s a reduction, but it’s part of the whole price adjustment.”
Sales in the area were previously driven by people buying holiday homes, but White has seen a shift to local buyers.
“We’re selling twice as much as three or four years ago, mostly to local buyers.”
He says “95% of the buyers are from the Gladstone region. It used to be around 60%.
“Local buyers are sustainable. They invest in the area and support local businesses. Southern buyers tend to come and go again.”
He recently sold 14 Endeavour Street for $498,000, a property he had previously sold in 2008 for $774,000.
He also recently sold 6 Endeavour Street for $850,000, a three-bedroom home that last traded for $535,000 in 2001. RP Data reports it was on the market for 174 days.
Realestate.com.au reports that the average sale price in 1770 is $850,000.
But he thinks prices will bounce back with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mining projects in the Gladstone area.
“All of the activity here comes from the confidence from the mining and LNG region. Ever since the five LNG plants were fully announced 14 months ago property sales have started soaring.”
“There are $91 billion worth of projects going on around here and more and more are announced all the time. In fact a nickel [project] was just announced last week.”
“That’s where I think this area will experience fantastic growth.”
The land tax threshold in Queensland is $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies and trustees.
The tax Queensland Office of State Revenue calculates tax using the total value of all land owned, with exemptions for properties used as a home or for farming.
Photograph by Pierre Pouliquin courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
 
 
</body></html>

Property values on the rocks in 1770, site of Captain Cook’s second landing

<html><body>
Houses took nearly 11 months to sell in Ouyen last year, the slowest-selling locality in Victoria, according to RP Data. Ouyen houses took more than 100 days longer to sell than houses in the next slowest-selling locality, Paradise Beach. Property Observer notes there were just 17 sales in Ouyen last year.
<table width="205" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Locality
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Ouyen
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
324
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Paradise Beach
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
221
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Kerang
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
196
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Donald
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
191
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Briagolong
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Chiltern
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
186
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Malmsbury
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
184
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Metung
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
184
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Coburg
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
183
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Grantville
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
182
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: RP Data
</body></html>

Ouyen the slowest-selling locality in Victoria: RP data

<html><body>
The City of Ipswich recently topped an RBA list of the regions with the highest rates of mortgage arrears.
But land values have remained surprisingly unchanged over the past year.
According to the Queensland Valuer-General’s annual valuation released this week land values in 66 Ipswich localities stayed steady from October 2010 to October 2011.
There was a jump in just one locality across the City of Ipswich since last year, which was Deebing Heights.
Medium prices in the rural locality of Deebing Heights increased 1.3% from $197,500 in 2010 to $200,000 in 2011, according to the valuer general Neil Bray.
Bray found over the whole region land values increased 0.1%, reflecting the static market in the area.
Bray said allowances made in 2010 for flood affected properties had been carried for into the new valuations.
“Apart from isolated changes to reflect environmental changes or local sales evidence residential valuations are predominantly unchanged,” Bray says.
“Minor changes were recorded in commercial values with some neighbourhood shopping centre values increasing slightly.”
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 460px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Previous median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
New median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Deebing Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
200,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
1.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Amberley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
86,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
86,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ashwell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
97,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
97,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Augustine Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
207,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Barellan Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Basin Pocket
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Bellbird Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
148,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
148,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Blackstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Booval
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Brassall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
152,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
152,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Bundamba
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Calvert
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
67,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
67,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Camira
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Churchill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Chuwar
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Coalfalls
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Collingwood Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
127,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
127,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Dinmore
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
East Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Eastern Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ebbw Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
123,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
123,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ebenezer
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Flinders View
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Gailes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Goodna
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Grandchester
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
68,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
68,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Haigslea
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
130 750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
130 750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ironbark
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Karalee
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Karrabin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Lanefield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Leichhardt
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Lower Mount Walker
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Marburg
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
94,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
94,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Moores Pocket
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Mount Forbes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
70,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
70,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Mount Marrow
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
156,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
156,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Muirlea
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Newtown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Booval
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
120,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
120,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Tivoli
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
87,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
87,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
One Mile
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Peak Crossing
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Pine Mountain
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
183,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
183,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Purga
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Raceview
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Redbank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Redbank Plains
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ripley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Riverview
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
110,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
110,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Rosewood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Sadliers Crossing
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Silkstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
South Ripley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Springfield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Springfield Lakes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Tallegalla
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Thagoona
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
108,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
108,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Tivoli
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Walloon
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
West Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
120,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
120,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Willowbank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Woodend
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Wulkuraka
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Yamanto
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
All residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Ipswich land values remain static despite high rate of mortgage arrears

<html><body>
Queensland's Valuer-General released the annual land valuations for properties in the Gold Coast City Council area this week.
Of the 73 localities in the Gold Coast City region, 43 went down in value, 28 had no change in value and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/the-only-two-gold-coast-suburbs-where-values-have-gone-up-in-2011/2012032954069">two increased in value</a>.
The area had an overall decrease in median values of -5.1%, from $247,500 to $235,000.
Valuer-General Neil Bray says the Gold Coast City Council area’s land values reduced by 8% overall since the last valuation in 2011.
Residential values continued to fall in most localities within the local government area, Bray says.
“Generally land values in the central coastal areas of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have declined in value by almost 50% since the 2008 peak,” he says.
Decisions on future planned construction projects along with weakening retail, industrial and tourism markets have had negative flow-on effects in spending and growth within the wider community, Mr Bray noted.
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
Median value at 1/10/2010 ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
Median value 1/10/2011 ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Paradise Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
490,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
417,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-14.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Runaway Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
415,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
360,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-13.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Arundel
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
247,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
217,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-12.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Labrador
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-11.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Surfers Paradise
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
790,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
700,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-11.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Clear Island Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
560,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
500,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Molendinar
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
240,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
215,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ashmore
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Elanora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
245,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
220,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Hollywell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Jacobs Well
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
220,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Benowa
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
345,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Yatala
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
345,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Main Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
1,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
900,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Parkwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Woongoolba
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Alberton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
118,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Springbrook
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Gilberton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
143,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
129,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Steiglitz
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
210,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Norwell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
135,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
122,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Helensvale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
212,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
192,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Bundall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
430,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
390,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Burleigh Heads
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
325,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-7.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Stapylton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-6.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
237,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
222,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-6.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tugun
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tallebudgera Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
186,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
176,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Coolangatta
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
375,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
355,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
187,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tallebudgera
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
251,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
238,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Broadbeach Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
510,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
485,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Mount Nathan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Southport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Miami
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
295,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ormeau Hills
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
207,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Bilinga
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
340,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
325,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
330,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
317,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-3.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Robina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
265,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-3.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Carrara
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
237,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-2.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Biggera Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
280,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Palm Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
305,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ormeau
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
207,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
205,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.2
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Paradise Point tops the 43 worst-performing Gold Coast localities in 2011

<html><body>
The Queensland Valuer-General has released the annual land valuations for properties in the Gold Coast City Council area this week.
Valuer-General Neil Bray says the Gold Coast City Council area’s land values had fallen by 8% overall since the last valuation in 2011.
Residential values <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/the-43-worst-performing-gold-coast-localities-in-2011/2012032954070" target="_blank">continued to fall in most localities</a> within the local government area, Bray says. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/twenty-eight-localities-on-the-gold-coast-with-values-going-nowhere/2012051354265">They remained stable in two localities</a>.
“Generally land values in the central coastal areas of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have declined in value by almost 50 per cent since the 2008 peak,” he says.
Decisions on future planned construction projects along with weakening retail, industrial and tourism markets have had negative flow-on effects in spending and growth within the wider community, Bray notes.
Of the 73 localities in the Gold Coast City region, 43 went down in value, 28 had no change in value and two increased in value.
<table style="width: 470px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
Median value at 1/10/2010 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Median value at 1/10/2011 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Numinbah Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
$147,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
$168,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
14.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Lower Beechmont
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
$131,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
$138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
4.9
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

The only two Gold Coast suburbs where values have gone up in 2011

<html><body>
Blockades remain in place and some businesses closed at 447 Collins Street in Melbourne, as many tenants still wait for compensation for lost income.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/collinsst3.jpg">A two-metre-by-one-metre marble panel fell from the Suncorp building into the forecourt, a popular lunch spot for nearby workers, on January 30, causing the City of Melbourne to issue an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/MediaReleases/Pages/Councilstatementon477CollinsStMelbourne.aspx">emergency order</a> requiring the building to be cordoned off.
The building has since remained partially fenced off while the building’s owners, Industry Superannuation Property Trust, still continue work to remove and stabilise the remaining panels.
The blockade forced the temporary <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/tenants-yet-to-get-compensation-guidance-after-emergency-closure-of-collins-street-office-building/2012020953323">closure of many small retail businesses</a> on the street level of the building as pedestrians could not access the shops.
Tenants met with the owners of the building to discuss compensation for lost business on February 10 but more than six weeks later just one tenant has received any payout.
The tenant of one business says she hasn’t heard anything about her claim.
“We’re still waiting. They say they’re working on it,” she says.
“We’ve given them out paperwork but we haven’t heard anything yet,” a neighbouring business owner says.
While some businesses were able to stay open, they did not have their regular street access and were only accessible through the corridors of the ground floor, which is accessible through the basement car- ark of the building.
“It’s been a hard time for us. People can’t see us from the street,” one business owner says.
ISPT chief executive Daryl Browning says the onus is currently on the tenants and many still haven’t lodged paperwork.
“We don’t just write blank cheques. That wouldn’t be the right thing to do,” he says.
“There’s no question about them not being paid. When they’re able to demonstrate how much they would be forgoing [they will be compensated].
“There’s no hidden agenda here, there’s no game being played with the tenants.”
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/collinsst5.jpg">
Despite his hairdressing business being closed for six weeks, a retailer named Abraham remains upbeat.
“We’re happy enough. We just wish it was a bit quicker.”
“It’s just lucky no one was hurt. That’s the main thing.”
He was initially told his business would be closed for just two weeks but the Flinders Lane pavement remained blocked for six weeks.
“It’s hard to say how much business we’ve lost. People will just go somewhere else.”
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/collinsst4.jpg">
All the panels from the Flinders Lane side of the building have been removed, and work continues on the other sides of the building.
“At the moment they are simply being stabilised,” says Browning.
“Further decisions and discussions will take place in the future.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/collinsst6.jpg">“The priority is to get it stabilised.”
Browning says there is no definite date for when fencing would come down.
ISPT is one of the largest property funds in Australia, managing $7 billion worth of investments. In Melbourne it owns 500 Bourke Street, Casselden Place, 114 William Street, Melbourne GPO, 474 St Kilda Road and 50 Lonsdale Street.
ISPT bought 447 Collins Street for $81 million from AXA in November 2004.
 
 
</body></html>

Retail tenants still awaiting compensation two months after Melbourne office building’s emergency closure

<html><body>
Houses in South Australia’s slowest-selling suburb, Tumby Bay, north of Port Lincoln, took 174 days to sell last year, according to RP Data. This was closely followed by Meningie and Milang, south of Adelaide, where houses took 164 days to sell. There were 24 sales in Tumby Bay.
<table width="217" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Localities
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
Days on Market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Tumby Bay
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
174
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Meningie
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
164
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Milang
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
164
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Maitland
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
160
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Minlaton
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
159
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
West Lakes Shore
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
159
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Hindmarsh Island
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
157
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Keith
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
156
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Yorketown
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
155
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="115">
Kapunda
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="103">
154
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
</body></html>

Tumby Bay slowest-selling locality in South Australia: RP Data

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Alistair Walsh

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